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Firearm Safety Certificate & Basic Handgun Classes in Orange County

Get your California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) in one short class, then learn to handle and shoot a handgun safely with a law enforcement instructor. No experience needed.

Book the FSC Class – $99 Book Basic Handgun – $195

DOJ-certified instructor FSC test included Lake Forest classroom No gun needed for basics

Courses & prices

Two classes for new shooters

Required to buy a gun

California Firearm Safety Certificate

$99about 2 hours

Learn California firearm safety, storage and transport rules, then take the DOJ test with us. Includes your test and certificate.

Book FSC class

No experience needed

Introduction to Handguns & Defensive Skills

$195bring a friend for $95

Safe handling, how handguns work and defensive shooting basics. Guns, targets and ammo included; $45 range fee per person.

Book basic handgun

About the FSC

What to know before your FSC test

30 questions; you need 23 correct (75%) to pass.
Valid for five years from the date it's issued.
Bring a California driver license or DMV ID card.
You must be 18 or older to test.
If you don't pass, you can retest after 24 hours.

Requirements from the California DOJ Firearm Safety Certificate Program FAQ (October 2026).

Basic handgun class

What you'll learn on the range

The universal rules of firearm safety, in practice.
How semi-automatic pistols and revolvers work.
Grip, stance, sight alignment and trigger control.
Loading, unloading and clearing basic malfunctions.
The basics of defensive handgun use.

Your lead instructor

Ray Alipanah

Ray is a California DOJ-certified CCW instructor, a POST-certified law enforcement instructor, an NRA Training Counselor and an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. He leads every CCW class and brings in instructors from military, executive protection, police and SWAT backgrounds as each class needs. Instruction is available in English, Farsi and Spanish.

Other courses

Ready for more?

CCW Prep & Application ($99): start your agency application with an instructor before class.
Advanced CCW training: drawing from concealment, movement and low-light skills.
Riverside County CCW class: Sheriff-approved initial and renewal training.
LAPD CCW class: LAPD-accepted training for City of LA residents.
Become a CCW instructor: NRA instructor ratings and the CA DOJ pathway.

FAQ

Firearm Safety Certificate & basic handgun questions

What is the California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)?

The FSC is a card from the California Department of Justice that you need before you can buy or receive a firearm in California. You earn it by passing a 30-question written test given by a DOJ-certified instructor.

How hard is the FSC test?

You need at least 23 correct answers out of 30 (75%). Our class walks you through the DOJ study material first, so you go into the test prepared.

How much does the FSC cost?

Our Firearm Safety Certificate class is $99 and includes your test and certificate. If you need to retest, repeat tests are $25 each.

How long is the FSC valid, and what do I bring?

The certificate is valid for five years. Bring a valid California driver license or DMV ID card. You must be at least 18 to take the test.

I've never fired a gun. Which class should I take?

Take the FSC to qualify to buy, then our Introduction to Handguns & Defensive Skills class. You don't need to own a gun: guns, targets and ammo are included, and a $45 range fee is paid separately.

What comes after the basics?

Many students go on to a CCW permit. Riverside County residents can start with our Riverside County CCW class, and City of Los Angeles residents with our LAPD CCW class.

Free guides

Read before you book

Guide

California Firearm Safety Certificate Guide

The test, the cost and what to expect on test day.

Read the guide